U.S. Ambassador in Bucharest: Doicesti SMR project, an important element of the U.S.-Romania strategic partnership

After touring the Doicesti Small Modular Reactor (SMR) site, U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec said that the rapid progress here is a testament to Romania’s vision, guiding us toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

According to the American ambassador, “Romania is poised to become a regional clean energy hub“, and “the Doicesti SMR project is at the forefront of this transformation.”

“This visionary project has the support of the highest levels of the United States government, both politically and financially and that’s why I am here today to personify that support.

The U.S. EXIM Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation have committed to financing to ensure the success of this SMR project in Doicesti, in the amount of $3 billion and $1 billion, respectively.  Their financial investment underscores our shared commitment to a sustainable energy future.  We recognize that the path to progress lies in collaboration, and this project embodies that. 

Our U.S. Embassy team collaborates daily with SNN, RoPower, NuScale, and Fluor—the driving forces behind Doicesti’s transformation, to move this project forward.  Together, we can make Doicesti a shining star in the constellation of carbon-free energy generation. 

The SMR model, as you have heard, has drawn interest and attention far beyond Romania’s borders, resonating across Europe and beyond.  This is because it offers a path to safer and more scalable nuclear power, offering countries another reliable option on which to base energy security,” said ambassador Kavalec.

In her view, the experience has shown that the American Nuscale technology being used in the project is safe. “As the sole existing commercial SMR technology approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, it comes with assurances of the highest levels of safety and security.

The United States is committed to deploying these types of cutting-edge solutions to combat the climate crisis and expand access to clean energy.  Not only does SMR technology offer cleaner energy, but the project will also create jobs for the local community that will positively benefit families for generations to come.

In short, the Doicesti SMR project is one more important element of the U.S.-Romania strategic partnership.  It is a testament to the great things we can achieve when nations collaborate for a common purpose.

We look forward to continuing to work together toward a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future,” the US envoy concluded.